The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and Tourism and Events Queensland will continue to present the world's best performing arts companies exclusively in Brisbane with the announcement that the third presentation in the QPAC International Series will be American Ballet Theatre (ABT) from 28 August to 7 September, 2014.

Based in New York, ABT is the United States' National Ballet Company, as named by an Act of the United States Congress, and is considered a living national treasure.

In its first ever visit to Australia, ABT will be performing two productions exclusively at QPAC: Swan Lake choreographed by ABT Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie; and a triple bill featuring works by three of the greatest choreographers of the modern era: Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp and Alexei Ratmansky.

QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas said, "Following the success of our recent sell-out season of the Bolshoi Ballet as well as a season featuring three of Hamburg's finest arts companies last year we are excited to present one of the best companies from the United States in 2014.  The QPAC International Series presentations have already proved to be hugely popular with our audience and we are looking forward to exclusively presenting the ABT for their first ever Australian season.

"ABT is a much younger company than some of their European counterparts but they have been brazen with their identity on the world stage. They have shown their commitment to the foundations of ballet and the pieces that have built the historical depth of this art form; yet they also offer a contemporary interpretation through modern works. ABT has a diverse repertoire and as such a welcome place in our International Series and one that Australian audiences are long overdue to witness.

"ABT will bring four of the most highly regarded works from their repertoire for the exclusive season at QPAC; Swan Lake and the triple bill which includes Bach Partita, Seven Sonatas and Fancy Free."  

American Ballet Theatre was launched in 1939 with a vision to develop a repertoire of the best ballets from the past and encourage the creation of new works by gifted choreographers. The company has appeared in 132 cities in 42 countries and over the years has evolved under the artistic direction of world renowned names as Lucia Chase, Oliver Smith and Mikhail Baryshnikov.

American Ballet Theatre's Artistic Director since 1992, Kevin McKenzie has forged ABT's reputation as truly "American" with a vast repertoire and a commitment to bringing the art of dance theatre to the great stages of world.

"What a thrill it will be for ABT, America's National Ballet Company, to make its first journey to Australia," Kevin McKenzie said.

"This historic tour is most fitting for our Company as it nears its 75th anniversary.  I'm especially proud to be bringing ABT's world-renowned artists to Brisbane, as well as a diverse program of repertoire that I think represents the versatility of style we've become so identified with."

Co-Producer of the QPAC International Series, Leo Schofield said, "The United States has many wonderful regional ballet companies, but ABT is generally regarded as the national company and has been recognised as such by the United States Congress.

"Just as the United States has embraced citizens from every country in the world, so ABT has during its almost 75 years of existence with dancers from a myriad of countries, Cuba, South America, Russia, even Australia. They each have something to contribute to a genuinely American style of dance."

ABT will appear at QPAC from 28 August to 7 September 2014. To secure best available seats patrons should join the preferential booking list on www.qpac.com.au or phone 136 246.

The QPAC International Series is a joint initiative by QPAC and Tourism and Events Queensland to bring the world's best performing arts companies exclusively to Brisbane.

QPAC and Tourism and Events Queensland present American Ballet Theatre

Swan Lake

Dates:              Thursday 28 August - Thursday 4 September, 2014 (9 performances only)
Venue:             Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Cultural Precinct, South Bank, Brisbane
Times:              7.30pm                         Thursday 28/8 & 4/9, Friday 29/8 and Tuesday 2/9                       
                       1.30pm and 7.30pm        Saturday 30/8 and Wednesday 3/9                                                           
                       2.00pm                          Sunday 31/8                                                                          
                       no performance              Monday 1/9                  

                                                                                                                                
Bookings:         To place your name on the preferential booking list on www.qpac.com.au or phone 136 246

Triple Bill - Bach Partita, Seven Sonatas and Fancy Free

Dates:              Friday 5 September - Sunday 7 September, 2014 (4 performances only)

Venue:             Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Cultural Precinct, South Bank, Brisbane

Times:              7.30pm                          Friday 5/9                                                                           
                       1.30pm and 7.30pm         Saturday 6/9                                                                               
                       2.00pm                           Sunday 7/9

Bookings:         To place your name on the preferential booking list go to www.qpac.com.au or phone 136 246.

FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:

                                 
Angela Slater

Tel: 07 3840 7939

Mob: 0412 252 311

Email: angela.slater@qpac.com.au

To download a full media kit, background information and high resolution images or broadcast quality vision visit the American Ballet Theatre Season online media centre at: www.qpac.com.au/americanballettheatre/media-centre.html